Hu Jiang Jun
Hu Jiang Jun (Chinese: 虎將君; pinyin: Hǔjiàngjūn; Hokkien: Houw Ciang Kun; lit. "general tiger") is a popular deity of Chinese mythology. Many Chinese temples have an altar for him, either a private altar or accompany another deities. His altar is placed just above the floor, accompany Tu Di Gong or below the altar of Fu De Zheng Shen, have one or more statues, as yellow or white tiger. The white tiger god is called Bai Hu Jiang Jun (Hokkien=Pek Hou Ciang Kun) or "White general tiger".[1]
His other titles include Hu Jiang Gong (虎將公; "Lord general tiger"), Hu Ye (虎爺; lit. "Grandpa tiger"), or Di Hu (地虎; lit. "Earth tiger"). His Taoist title is Xia Tan Jiang Jun (Chinese: 下壇將軍; Hokkien: Ha Thua Jiong Kun; lit. "General of the lower altar").[1] In Anping City, the altar for Hu Jiang Jun is placed high above the floor because the city is often flooded thus is called Tian Hu (天虎, lit. "Sky/heaven tiger").[2]
Chinese culture and Taoism regard tiger as the king of the mountain or jungle and associate it with some deities. His fierce nature become a symbol of authority and bravery.[3] Kids worship him in hope to grow strong and brave.[2]
Posture of the statue
According to Taoism, the posture of Hu Jiang Jun's statues has different meaning as below.[3]
| Number | Name | Posture | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Xia Tan Jiang Jun (下山開嘴) |
Downward with mouth open | The statue is placed under the altar of main deity as the protector of temple, groups, or priests. They are involved in the ritual to help human. |
| 02 | Xia Tan Jiang Jun (下山開嘴) |
Downward with mouth closed | The statue(s) is placed near Tu Di Gong's altar or just below the altar of Fu De Zheng Shen. They help the earth deities to inspect the area and report any incidents. People may ask him for protection from evil doers. |
| 03 | shàngshān huítóu kāi zuǐ (上山回頭開嘴) |
Upward with mouth open and looking backward | The statue represent a fierce tiger god that is full of hatred and may cause accidents. |
| 04 | shàngshān bìzuǐ (上山閉嘴) |
Upward with mouth open | Happy tiger god that easy to give his blessing. |
| 05 | dūn zuò dà tóu hǔ yé (蹲坐大頭虎爺) |
Sit like a cat with huge head | Tame tiger god that overlook over temple, altars, or households. |
Relation with another deities
Hu Jiang Jun usually have a relation and is displayed alongside another deities such as below.[3]
| Number | Name | Color | The deities who tame or connected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Bai Hu Jiang Jun Bi Hu Ye (碧虎爺) |
White | Zhang Daoling |
| 02 | Wu Hu Jiang Jun Hei Hu Ye (黑虎爺) |
Black | Zhao Gong Ming |
| 03 | Hu Jiang Jun Hu Ye (虎爺) |
Yellow with black strips | Tu Di Gong Sun Simiao Baosheng Dadi Xu Xun (許遜) |
References
- 1 2 (poanthian.webs.com) Houw Ciang Kun
- 1 2 Lo Cia Bio. "How Ciang Kun". Retrieved 25 October 2015.
- 1 2 3 Jave Wu (16 May 2009). "The Different Forms of Tiger Deities (虎爺/虎神的種類)". Retrieved 25 October 2015.